Mays Business School Celebrates 35 Years of International Business Education

Hannah McCormack ’26 (Accounting) | Tokyo, Japan

“My company is called LOOK UP Accounting, but as a whole they own a few different businesses. Their values are heavily focused on easing others’ financial burdens, making accounting accessible, and bridging communication barriers. Health, wellness, and family are also very valued. Many members of the office all come together to stretch and exercise together in the afternoons, which in English translates to “refresh time.” Speaking of English, the majority of employees here do not speak any. There are two fluent English speakers, and a few with some light English knowledge. Consequently, I am experiencing some significant Japanese immersion! Technology has certainly been a big help, and tools like ChatGPT, DeepL, and Google Translate are big components of how I perform here in Tokyo.”

William Webber ’26 (Finance) | Dublin, Ireland

“One thing I’ve noticed about doing business in Ireland is the informal yet efficient communication style. Emails and meetings are direct and there’s a strong emphasis on relationships and approachability. These combined make for a comfortable work environment that you don’t have to stress about. People take pride in their work, but there’s also room for humor and storytelling, which helps build rapport quickly. Lunches are generally eaten together with conversations ranging from stories from the previous weekend to sports and even to politics. Many of my colleagues have similar interests to mine including American football. They have genuine interest in my perspective and experiences as an American and are more than happy to tell me about Irish culture and history.

Taylor Schoolcraft ’26 (Management) | Athens, Greece

“Talking with business owners in Athens, especially my client Fekerte, taught me that success looks different around the world. In Greece, relationships and trust are central to conducting business. People value getting to know each other, the community around them, and building genuine connections while conducting business. In contrast, American business culture can feel more transactional and fast-paced. One of my favorite moments was getting to see the community that Fekerte has created in Greece. She had to open her coffee shop because people stayed too late in her mini market talking!”

Caleb McQuinn ’27 (Management) | Peru

“One really cool business visit we went on was to a coffee shop in Lima that operates in partnership with a local church. More than just a business, Velove is a mission-driven company that ensures quality coffee is accessible to people of all socioeconomic backgrounds. The owners, Anarose and Jimmy, have built their business on relationships — both with their customers and the local coffee farmers they source from. Hearing their journey, from introducing espresso to a market unfamiliar with specialty coffee to creating a space where every customer feels valued, was awesome. It was a reminder that business isn’t just about transactions; it’s about connection.”

Malhaar Das ’27 (Marketing) | Copenhagen Business School (Denmark)

“The education system that Copenhagen Business School uses has very minimal structure, with the exams being a few open-ended questions that can be tackled in any way the student chooses. This switch in learning made me reorient the way that I looked at my lectures, using them as a foundation for my own analysis, rather than looking for a correct answer. This lack of structure, though initially challenging, allowed me to revel in the freedom of engaging with the material in the way that supports my learning the best. These cultural differences have only broadened my viewpoints, while honing skills I have never had to use. This growth better equips me for future opportunities out of my comfort zone.”

Brooke Ubieta ’26 (Marketing) | Bocconi University (Italy)

“As a marketing student with a focus on retail, this experience has significantly reshaped my perspective on global business. Being in Milan — a fashion capital — gave me the opportunity to observe retail from a new lens. I noticed how deeply local culture influences everything from store design and merchandising to consumer behavior. It’s one thing to study global markets in a classroom, but it’s something else entirely to live within them. Beyond business, I gained a deeper understanding of how culture shapes people’s perspectives. I saw firsthand how others view Americans, and I also began to reflect more on the culture I come from — what we value, what we take for granted, and how that compares to other ways of life. Studying abroad reminded me just how big the world really is, and how small our own bubbles can be if we never step outside them.”

Maria Ramirez ’24 (Marketing) | Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (Spain)

“Immersing myself in a new culture while studying business provided opportunities for both academic and personal growth. The university’s emphasis on global perspectives and its rigorous curriculum pushed me to think critically about how business principles apply in an international context. Collaborating with students from diverse backgrounds broadened my understanding of cultural differences in business practices, communication styles, and problem-solving approaches. Living in Madrid taught me the beauty of immersing myself in a completely new culture and lifestyle.”

Susan Liu ’25 (Supply Chain Management) | Ushuaia, Argentina, and Antarctica

“When I first embarked on this field trip, I had limited expectations of what I would gain from the experience. I envisioned a challenging and physically demanding journey, but nothing could have prepared me for the profound insights I would gather about sustainable business and global leadership. The sheer remoteness and untouched beauty of Antarctica was a humbling reminder of the importance of preserving our planet. I was eager to learn how sustainability principles are applied in the most extreme environments and how international cooperation functions in such a delicate ecosystem. The expedition exceeded my expectations in many ways, especially the hands-on lessons in sustainable practices.”

Jack Lewis ’25 (MS Entrepreneurial Leadership) | Doha, Qatar

“After spending two weeks in Doha, Qatar, engaging with aspiring entrepreneurs and participating in multiple company visits, I have gained a significantly deeper understanding of how business operates in Qatar. The oil and gas industry, particularly the North Gas Field, has played a significant economic role for the country in recent years. Companies such as Halliburton Qatar and Schlumberger Limited (SLB) provided valuable insights into their operations within the oil and gas industry. Additionally, visits to locally owned and operated businesses, such as Doha Cables and Calo, offered a comprehensive perspective on Qatar’s business landscape.”

Jake Moore ’24, ’25 (MS Entrepreneurial Leadership) | Doha, Qatar

“Having never been to the Middle East before, and only really seeing it through the lenses of the mainstream media and social media, I had many misconceptions about the culture, people, and religion found there. Spending several weeks in Qatar shattered my perception of the Middle East and showed me that we are all more alike than we are different.”

Zachary Shutz ’24 ’25 (MS Entrepreneurial Leadership) | Melbourne and Sydney, Australia

“The business speaker events were a major highlight. Hearing from local leaders about handling challenges like sustainability and staying innovative opened my eyes. One thing that stuck with me was how forward-thinking Australian businesses are — they’re always planning for the future instead of just reacting to what’s happening now. That’s definitely something I want to apply to my own goals in the future.”

Tessa Barela ’26 (Business Honors and Accounting) | Singapore; Johor Bahru, Malaysia; and Bangkok, Thailand

“My time abroad in Singapore and Thailand taught me invaluable lessons about international business and cultural dynamics… Ultimately, my time abroad reshaped my approach to global business. It taught me that successful cross-cultural interactions are about more than just transactions — they’re about understanding and connecting with people on a deeper level.”

Hailey Garza ’27 (Business Honors and Supply Chain Management) | Singapore; Johor Bahru, Malaysia; and Bangkok, Thailand

“My time abroad on the Asia business study abroad program was truly life-changing. I learned so much about conducting business in other cultures while also getting to experience Singaporean and Thai life firsthand… Overall, this trip changed my perspective of both Thai and Singaporean culture and business. It showed me how important it is to adapt to different cultures, appreciate global connections, and stay open-minded. It wasn’t just about business — it was about experiencing the world and learning to see things differently.”

Ella Jenkins ’26 (Finance) | Heredia and La Fortuna, Costa Rica

“After experiencing Costa Rica through their business, culture, and language, I feel that my perspective has broadened, and I have grown both personally and professionally… This experience has made me more aware of the cultural sensitivities of international business and I can take this knowledge forward in my career.”

Chloe Tanner ’27 (Management) | Ushuaia, Argentina, and Antarctica

“This program was life-changing and will shape my approach to leadership and sustainability. It deepened my desire for lifelong exploration. I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity, which enriched my understanding of the world and inspired me to contribute to its betterment.”

Tuvan Dinh ’27 (Management Information Systems) | Chefchaouen, Fes, Marrakech, Rabat and Tangier, Morocco

“The biggest takeaway I learned from this study abroad is that even with the cultural differences from one location to another, the ability to still connect and build those relationships are some of the things every student should experience.”

Jennifer Harden ’27 (Marketing) | Clinque Terre, Milan, Rome, and Florence, Italy

“Learning to conduct business with people in another culture was an eye-opening experience that I recommend everyone takes the opportunity to learn. I’ve always believed it is important to know how the world around you works, but I never thought it really could be so different from what I know and practice in America. I have definitely learned to adapt to the customs around you, and to never go into business with a new culture blind. The biggest sign of respect for many is understanding and flexibility. While Italy was very different from what I am used to, it was much like America at the same time, however, with the changes I did have to adapt to, I gained a better understanding of what all I am going to have to adjust to for a culture much different. It is a challenge, but at the same time, an unreal experience.”

Nakshathra Nair ’26 (Management Information Systems) | Heredia and La Fortuna, Costa Rica

“Professionally, I had the chance to observe and learn about the Costa Rican business environment, which is shaped by its unique socio-economic dynamics and cultural values. Unlike the U.S., where businesses often prioritize profit and efficiency, Costa Rican businesses place a strong emphasis on sustainability and impact on the community. One of the highlights of this trip was visiting two chocolate businesses: Sibu and Bici Chocolate. At these tours, I learned about the process of crafting high-quality chocolate while also observing how these businesses integrate sustainable practices into their operations. From sourcing local ingredients to using environmentally friendly packaging, it proved the importance of balance between tradition, environmental responsibility, and quality.”

Nike VanZandt ’27 (Supply Chain Management) | Porto and Lisbon, Portugal

“This experience has profoundly shaped my worldview. It has taught me to approach international business with greater cultural sensitivity and to recognize the importance of adaptability in a global context. I leave Portugal not only with practical knowledge, but also with a deeper appreciation for the beauty of diverse perspectives.”

Owen Thomas ’26 (Marketing) | Melbourne and Sydney, Australia

“These experiences profoundly impacted me and changed my perspective. Witnessing such a unified effort — from businesses and politicians to families and individuals — was inspiring and has encouraged me to take a stronger stand for the environment.”